Membership & Giving

The First Lady of Song: Ella Fitzgerald at 100

Ella Fitzgerald (1917–1996) was a gifted American jazz artist. She had a warm and lovely voice, with notable rhythmic sense, versatility, and intonation, as well as exceptional talent at scat singing. Inventing her vocals as she sang, she produced melodic lines that put her in the category of great instrumental improvisers. In a career spanning seven decades, she created a legacy of acclaimed performances and a celebrated body of work. This exhibit featured the famed musician through objects from the Ella Fitzgerald Estate paired with pieces from the collections of our Archives Center.

This exhibition was made possible by the generous support of the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation.